The Dubai Airshow highlights popularity of Airbus Military C295s in the region

Middle East and North Africa operators are benefitting from the versatility of Airbus Military’s multi-role C295 aircraft – one of which is on display this week at the Dubai Airshow.

Well-tailored for conditions in the Middle East and North Africa, the region’s C295s are being deployed for an expanded range of missions in maritime patrol (MPA), anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and intelligence and surveillance (ISR) configurations, in addition to the aircraft’s baseline transport role.

As an example of the C295’s operational flexibility, the NIMBUS aerial dispersant spray system for pollution control is being installed on three C295s for the Royal Air Force of Oman – which has ordered eight total aircraft.

Produced by U.K.-based Ayles Fernie International, NIMBUS comprises a palletised tank and pump module arrangement, which is secured to the C295’s cargo ramp without modifications to the aircraft. This system can be quickly installed in response to oil spills, and easily removed based on mission requirements.

Middle East and North African operators also can improve their operability as the result of Airbus Military’s continuous upgrades to the C295. From late 2014, the aircraft will offer even better “high and hot” performance with the addition of winglets, especially if used in parallel with uprated Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprop engines.

Airbus Military’s C295 is highly popular in the Middle East and North Africa, with more than 20 per cent of its sales to date coming from the region. The C295 is part of the company’s tactical airlifter family, which also includes the CN235 – a shorter-fuselage version that is well proven in the region’s operating conditions.